Prevention of surgical site infections in lower limb fracture fixation and elective arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of decolonization and skin antisepsis strategies

Nasal and skin decolonization protocols seem to reduce the incidence of SSIs in elective hip and knee arthroplasty. Thereby, skin, nasal and combined decolonization strategies may be used. However, current evidence in fracture surgery remains insufficient and inconsistent. High-quality randomized trials are urgently needed to evaluate decolonization efficacy in lower extremity trauma surgery.